I am presenting these to show the diversity in expression
about abortion in Orthodox icons, but if truth be told, I have rather strict
criteria for an icon that I would want to use when I write abut abortion. I
think it should not be extremely innovative, or gruesome, but at the same time,
should speak to the emotional horror of abortion. I think the lament of Rachel
fulfills all these criteria.

I am not against “gruesome” in its proper
context – no sir! Abortion is often vivisection of a living, breathing
human being and I favor billboards on the road with pictures of the effect of
abortion on tiny human beings, but these gruesome pictures would not serve well
as a symbol.

We live in a world where people deny, deny, deny. We have
a culture that does not like to think about death. There is a place for these
pictures, but not in front of abortion clinics (where they could actually
traumatize and anger mothers who are contemplating abortion), or as a symbol of
our struggle, which is to cause healing.

Without further ado, here are some of the icons suggested,
sent by perhaps a dozen responders.

The Lament of
Rachel.

“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the
wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that
were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
(17) Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet,
saying, (18) In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and
weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would
not be comforted, because they are not.” (Matthew 2:16-18 )

Any good symbol is simple, and there is just too much
going on in this icon. Of course, it is not traditional in many ways, but it
tells the truth.

The Theotokos and Anna embracing.

“And Mary arose in those
days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
(40) And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted
Elisabeth. (41) And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the
salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with
the Holy Ghost: (42) And she spake out with a loud voice, and said,
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy
womb. (43) And whence is this to me, that the mother of my
Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:39-43)

I like this icon, although it
may be a tad innovative, but it does not capture the emotion of the loss
involved in abortion as the Lament of Rachel does.